Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has publicly expressed his disbelief at the Pakistan Cricket Board's recent decision to overhaul the national side ahead of the third and final Test against England. In his view, the sweeping changes – which include the dismissal of head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and the removal of seven senior players from the squad – represent "the most shocking ever" move by a selection panel that boasts a wealth of experience. The context for these drastic measures is the heavy 194‑run defeat Pakistan suffered at Lord's, which left the visitors trailing 2‑0 in the series with only the Edgbaston Test remaining, scheduled to start on September 9.
In the wake of that loss, the selectors announced that wicket‑keeper Mohammad Rizwan, top‑order batsman Imam‑ul‑Haq and leg‑spinner Ali Usman would be cut from the touring party. In total, seven members of the squad have been dropped, creating a substantial void that the board has chosen to fill with largely untested talent. The five newcomers who have been called up – Arafat Minhas, Mohammed Imran Jr, Said Baig, Mohammad Imran and Razaullah – have yet to earn a Test cap. Their inclusion raises eyebrows because the selection appears to prioritize players whose primary experience lies in the shorter formats of the game, particularly T20 cricket, rather than the traditional demands of Test cricket in English conditions.
Afridi questioned this logic on the social media platform X, writing, "Not sure what is the logic or reasoning behind this decision! Even the replacements make no sense – T20 players have been included for a Test match in England? What is this thinking and approach? Why has the coach been axed after five Test matches?" In addition to the changes on the playing roster, the coaching staff has also been reshuffled.
White‑ball specialist Mike Hesson has been appointed to take over the head coaching duties following Sarfaraz Ahmed's removal. Meanwhile, former fast bowler Ashley Noffke has been promoted to assistant coach after the departure of Umar Gul, who was also relieved of his responsibilities.
Afridi's criticism did not stop at the personnel changes. He went on to describe the entire episode as "the most shocking decision ever by a selection committee which includes so many experienced selectors," underscoring his belief that the board's actions lack a coherent strategy and could further destabilize a side already struggling to find form.
The revised squad list now reads as follows: Babar Azam (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Abdullah Shafique, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Imran, Mohammad Imran Jr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wicket‑keeper), Razaullah, Saad Baig (wicket‑keeper), Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah. This blend of seasoned internationals and fresh faces reflects a gamble by the PCB to inject new energy, but it also signals a lack of continuity that could prove costly against a strong England side.
Adding another layer of intrigue, reports from Cricinfo suggest that former captain and senior selector Misbah‑ul‑Haq has tendered his resignation from the selection committee. The Pakistan Cricket Board, however, has not yet accepted his offer, leaving the future composition of the selection panel uncertain. Pakistan's recent Test record paints a bleak picture: the team has lost 15 of its last 20 Test matches. Throughout the current series, the Pakistani batting line‑up has been repeatedly dismantled, being bowled out for under 200 runs in each of the four innings played so far – 171 and 135 in Leeds, followed by 110 and 194 at Lord's.
Such low scores highlight the challenges the side faces in adapting to English pitches and dealing with the disciplined pace attack of the home side. For fans eager to follow the final showdown, the third Test at Edgbaston will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage beginning at 10 am (11 am local time for the first ball) on Wednesday, September 9. Those without a Sky subscription can explore the latest Sky Sports deals or consider streaming options such as NOW, which offers contract‑free viewing.
In summary, Afridi's outspoken reaction underscores a broader sense of frustration within Pakistani cricket circles. The combination of a demoralising series deficit, a radical reshuffle of players and coaches, and the possible resignation of a veteran selector points to a period of upheaval.
Whether the infusion of fresh talent will revive Pakistan's fortunes or further expose their vulnerabilities remains to be seen, but the upcoming Edgbaston Test will undoubtedly serve as a critical litmus test for the new selections and the overall direction of Pakistan cricket.